xeric shrub (morning sun)

adp_abq(7b NM)February 24, 2005

I need a xeric shrub that will get morning sun. The location is in the SE side of my house. I was thinking of either apache plume or desert honeysuckle (anisacanthus thurberi). From what I've read apache plume needs full sun. Is this the case? Any other suggestions? Native southwest plants preffered.

I have some on the East side. Get no afternoon sun at all.
They do fine.

Gotta be careful with them. They sucker, they seed and they want to make a tangled mess like winter jasmine. I have mine at bay, but it's a chore. If you have enough room for them to do their own thing...I'd say about 8' square for each plant, they're great. Flowers or plumes all summer long.

I am looking for seeds for the Anisacanthus wrightii which is a recommended xeric plant for the coastal North Carolina area. Does anyone have a lead on reputable seed supplier. I would consider a nursery but most are out of state and most are very costly.
Any help in locating any of the anisacanthus family would be most helpful.
thanks much

I have grown Anisicanthus wrightii, aka, flame acanthus, in Austin, where it is almost a weed. It does set seed, but I think it is not the right timing to get some now, but I can check with friends and/or the next time I go there.

Has anyone grown A. thurberi around ABQ? I have never seen it around here, but am intrigued that it may do well here. I get the Anisicanthus genus confused - is it very similar to A. wrightii? I know there is another one that is not supposed to be hardy here, A. californica?